Schuylkill ATV driver killed in Luzerne crash

A Schuylkill County all terrain vehicle (ATV) operator was killed in a crash in Luzerne County Wednesday night in which he was operating the vehicle on a public road without lights on.

State police at Hazleton said the accident occurred along SR924 at Maplewood Drive, in Hazle Township.

Troopers said Eric Peltz, 45, of McAdoo, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Troopers said Peltz was operating a ATV about 10:30 p.m. eastbound without lights on when his vehicle was struck in the rear by a vehicle operated by Ronald Powlick, 55, of Frackville. Troopers said Powlick intended to turn left onto Maplewood Drive when the collision occurred.

Troopers said the investigation is continuing and initial reports indicated Peltz was traveling illegally on the road without lights on the ATV.